Become a Dementia Friend this World Kindness Day

As we celebrate World Kindness Day, it is essential to reflect on how we can extend our compassion to some of the most vulnerable members of our society—those living with dementia. 

Currently around one million people in the UK are affected by this condition, a number projected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. Despite this significant impact, many individuals with dementia feel that society does not fully understand their experiences. 

Dementia Friends, an initiative by the Alzheimer’s Society, was set up to combat just this. 

“It's about being kind. It’s about being patient and recognising that someone else might have difficulty in one particular area. It might be dementia, but it could also be mental health difficulties, or autism. Take the time to take a step back and give someone the benefit of the doubt and be nice to them.” says Judith, a Dementia Friends Ambassador. 

Judith, who lives in Devon, became a Dementia Friend in 2007, the same year her husband was diagnosed with the disease.

She says: “It was something quite close to my heart, and I thought if you could just spend an hour learning some key facts about Dementia, then it’s just a really good thing. The more people that know these things the better.” 

Now a Dementia Friend Ambassador, Judith volunteers to educate and inspire others to offer support to individuals living with dementia within her community. As an ambassador, she is an active member in her local area, delivering presentations at meetings, while sharing insights on the impact of dementia and ways to provide assistance. In addition to this, ambassadors increase the awareness of the Alzheimer’s Society’s work in local communities as a vital source of dementia-related information and support. 

“It’s getting people to stop and think, perhaps someone’s behaviour is because they have dementia and they’re not being difficult, or awkward or rude.”

Misconceptions around the disease are still very prominent in today’s society. One in five people (21%) mistakenly believe that dementia is an inevitable part of ageing, and 23% would find it challenging to engage in conversation with someone who has dementia. These statistics highlight a pressing need for greater awareness and understanding.

Becoming a Dementia Friend aims to transform how our country thinks, acts, and talks about dementia. Spreading kindness and dispelling myths help to foster an empathic and compassionate society. Currently, there are over 3.7 million Dementia Friends and Ambassadors across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. 

Dr Tim Beanland, Head of Knowledge and Learning at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Dementia can affect anyone, regardless of where they live, gender or race. It could be a family member, your next-door neighbour, or someone in your care. Yet, many people with dementia often feel misunderstood or isolated due to poor public understanding of the condition.

 “We need to create a climate of kindness and understanding, so that everyone affected feels a part of their community and can live the life they want. You can help by learning about dementia and by taking actions, both big and small. This could be visiting someone you know with dementia, volunteering in your community, or simply being more patient in a shop queue. Every action counts.

“It takes a society to beat dementia.”

As Dr. Tim said, to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for those living with dementia, we can all take small but meaningful steps. Simple acts of kindness—such as being patient in a shop queue or offering a friendly smile—can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals affected by this condition.

It's really easy to become a Dementia Friend. Alzheimer’s Society’s volunteer Ambassadors are conducting both in-person Dementia Friends Information Sessions and virtual sessions that you can sign up for. Alternatively, you can become a Dementia Friend by watching a brief online video. For more information, visit dementiafriends.org.uk

Charity Check-in

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article. 

Alzheimer’s Society. This UK charity is volunteer-driven and dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for individuals living with dementia in local communities. Find out more.

Dementia UK. This is a specialist dementia nursing charity committed to improving the quality of life for those living with the condition. Learn more here. 

Kindness UK. This non-profit organisation strives to integrate kindness more deeply into daily interactions. Support them here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing, Reduced Inequalities.